TRENTON, N.S. — If you look at pictures of Daniel Arsenault, there’s something you’ll notice says Colin Munro.
“Daniel always had a smile on his face,” said Munro who teaches students at the Alternative High School in Trenton.
Daniel passed away in December 2018 at just 18 years old. The Trenton youth had been diagnosed at 4 years old with Muscular Dystrophy and later in life had to use a wheelchair. “But he never let that get him down,” said Munro as students and staff gathered around Trenton Middle School to unveil a bench in Daniel’s honour.
The bench was built by students in the Alternative High School. It’s painted white and blue – Daniel’s favourite colours because they were the colours of his favourite hockey team – The Toronto Maple Leafs.
“We’re trying to create culture and give back to the community,” Munro said.
In addition to the bench, the students made a flower bed by the school.
“It can be a nice spot to sit and reflect if you’re having a bad day,” Munro said.
Engraved on the bench are the words, “Always be Kind,” something Daniel always did when he was alive.
“That’s an easy thing to do,” Munro said. “If you’re having a hard day you don’t take it out anybody.”
Daniel’s father Kenny Arsenault attended the unveiling and said his family is touched by the way the schools Daniel attended have taken steps to honour him.
“This means so much to us,” he said.
